Beating the bots: 5 ways to stand out from AI

Artificial intelligence has found its way into nearly everything we do. But the increasing use of AI often comes with a side of existential dread. With its claims of unmatched productivity, generative AI can cast an unflattering light on our limitations as humans.

But! We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves that an AI model can’t take from us. Tap into these five innately human qualities to show the world that you could never be replaced by a machine.

1. Unpredictability

Generative AI’s whole schtick is to respond to queries with the most obvious answers. It combs the data ocean for patterns, then predicts how to accurately complete a sequence. Like how when someone shouts 'Marco!' we say 'Polo!'

But ‘Polo!’ is obvious. It’s the response AI will give you every time. You, a free-thinking human, could go totally off-book. To make it clear you're an original and not a robot, the element of surprise could be the solution.

You can infuse your studies with bold and unprecedented problem-solving by upgrading your bachelor with a Bachelor of Applied Innovation, Victoria’s first innovation-focused, dual degree.

2. Expertise

Having been trained on an enormous quantity of information, large language model (LLM) AI is the ultimate jack-of-all-trades. It's why we find ChatGPT a useful idea springboard, yet rely on our brains to do the intellectual somersaults.

Being an expert in something then makes you an asset. No AI has trained on your unique combination of educational and personal experiences. Collect your knowledge from weird and wonderful sources, and your well of expertise will run deeper than any AI.

And with access to Swinburne’s cutting-edge tech and facilities, you’ll be getting the hands-on, practical experience that gives you not only theoretical knowledge, but true expertise.

3. Anecdotal experience

An AI could tell you a bit about everything. But it’s never felt anything. It could never start a sentence with ‘This reminds me of my time on exchange in Italy,’ or ‘I had the craziest interaction with a stranger last Thursday...’

Your memories and a computer’s data are worlds apart. Draw from your own life wherever possible to highlight your value as an individual with stories to tell.

Studying abroad is a perfect way to get that edge. Round out your degree with an international experience and start seeing from a global perspective – in a way that AI could only pretend to.

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4. Authenticity

There's been a rising popularity of the analogue; the tangible. Vinyl records, digital cameras, vintage clothing – we've countered the digitalisation of life with an appreciation for the simple things.

AI is predicted to revolutionise human productivity. But, while you can’t generate a meeting agenda in seconds, AI can’t shake a hand or give a live demonstration. It’s that level of human interaction that makes an in-person collaborator irreplaceable.

At Swinburne, every bachelor degree guarantees a work integrated learning experience, as well as industry immersion for all our vocational students. So you’ll graduate with real industry experience and connections.

5. Your opinions

LLMs literally can’t pass judgement, rendering them both a total pushover and without a conscience. Although they try their darnedest to produce human-like content, they’re extreme people-pleasers. You don’t have to be.

Human opinion, unlike AI, is self-determined and impactful. People care what people think. Be an advocate, not a fence-sitter, and instantly you’re a nuanced, interesting addition to society.

Sometimes, being a positive changemaker starts with a business idea. Become a leader rather than a follower with the Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship, where you’ll learn to promote what you believe in and launch your first startup.

Understanding AI

A head-in-the-sand mentality about AI probably isn’t going to get you very far. At Swinburne, the ethics and implications of AI are explored across disciplines – so you can outsmart artificial intelligence by becoming an expert on the thing itself.

Just remember: AI would be nothing without the ingenuity of its human masters.

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Take up the space AI can't fill and make 2025 your year. Semester 1 starts on Monday 3 March.